Shloka 253
भीमस्य बल्लव-प्रतिज्ञा तथा अर्जुनस्य बृहन्नडा-रूप-निर्णयः
Bhīma’s Ballava Vow and Arjuna’s Decision to Become Bṛhannadā
वलयैश्छादयिष्यामि बाहू किणकृताविमौ | अर्जुनने कहा--महाराज! मैं राजाकी सभामें यह दृढ़तापूर्वक कहूँगा कि मैं षण्ढक (नपुंसक) हूँ। राजन! यद्यपि मेरी दायीं-बायीं भुजाओंमें धनुषकी डोरीकी रगड़से जो महान् चिह्न बन गये हैं, उन्हें छिपाना बहुत कठिन है तथापि कंगन आदि आशभूषणोंसे मैं इन ज्याघातचिहल्लित भुजाओंको ढक-लूँगा
valayaiś chādayiṣyāmi bāhū kiṇakṛtāv imau |
Sinabi ni Arjuna: “Mahal na Hari, sa kapulungan ng hari ay matatag kong ipahahayag na ako’y isang eunuko, upang manatiling nakatago ang tunay kong pagkakakilanlan. Bagama’t mahirap itago ang mga kalyo at bakas sa dalawang bisig na ito na dulot ng pagkiskis ng tali ng pana, tatakpan ko ang mga bisig na may mga tandang iyon sa pamamagitan ng mga pulseras at iba pang palamuti.”
अजुन उवाच
Educational Q&A
Dharma sometimes requires disciplined concealment: Arjuna chooses a socially risky disguise and even hides the visible signs of his warrior identity to protect the Pandavas’ vow of living incognito, showing restraint and commitment to a pledged course of action.
As the Pandavas plan their incognito year in King Virata’s realm, Arjuna explains how he will pass as a eunuch (Bṛhannalā) and conceal the distinctive calluses on his arms—marks caused by constant archery—by wearing bangles, so he will not be recognized in the royal court.